Colts’ Andrew Luck Progressing In Minicamp

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NFL

Andrew Luck Is Making Big Progress In Minicamp

Big news out of Indianapolis as Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has resumed on-field throwing. Luck’s participation in drills this minicamp has Colts fans giddy about the oft-injured QB’s return.

After signing a lucrative six-year, $140 million contract in 2016, Luck has dealt with a nagging shoulder injury that kept him out all last season. With high hopes of competing again in 2018, participation in minicamp this early is a significant step for the Pro Bowl signal-caller.

Andrew Luck Getting Back On Track

After rehabbing a shoulder injury that cost him the entire 2017 campaign, Luck has begun an on-field throwing program.

Throwing in front of the media earlier this week, Luck threw roughly 20 passes to coaches running short and intermediate routes. While this seems like a minor accomplishment, it’s actually a huge step forward for the franchise QB.

“It’s another step,” a jubilated Luck said on the day. “I am thrilled with how this off-season has gone for me… my goal is to be ready for training camp”.

With Luck confident that he’s on track to reach that goal, both he and the team are excited. New general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich have both come out with rave reviews of Luck, and expect him to be the key to success in 2018.

“We plan on Andrew being the starting quarterback week one and being great the whole year,” Reich said after Tuesday’s practice.

A String of Bad “Luck” for the Colts

Without Andrew Luck calling the shots, the Colts have been lost. While the Pro Bowl QB boasts a 43-27 record (61.4%) over his six seasons in Indy, his replacements in 2016 and 2017 didn’t fare nearly as well.

Missing 17 games over the last two seasons, the Colts have looked to Scott Tolzien and Jacoby Brissett to carry the team. Between Tolzien (0-2) and Brissett (4-11), the Colts are 4-13 in games Luck hasn’t suited up over the past two seasons.

When we dive into deeper scoring trends, the data tells a similar story. In seasons where Luck has played 8 or more games, the Colts offense has been prolific. Over this span, Luck and the Colts have averaged 25 points per game.

In Luck’s absence in 2017, the Colts’ PPG plummeted to 16.4, good for 31st in the NFL. Not only that, but the perennial playoff team dropped to last in the AFC South last season.

Protecting Luck

With Andrew Luck the key to a Colts resurgence, new GM Chris Ballard made it a priority to improve his protection. Investing early round draft stock in a pair of offensive guards, the Colts will look to keep their franchise signal caller upright in 2018.

Ranked by Pro Football Focus as the 25th worst line in 2017, the Colts line struggled in both pass and run blocking. Ranking 22nd in sacks allowed, the Colts line also surrendered a putrid 218 QB Pressures. As bad as they were in pass protection, they were equally as bad in run blocking. Colts running backs averaged just 1.07 yards before contact, ranking 29th in the NFL.

To remedy this, Ballard wasted no time investing early picks in rebuilding their line.

Spending the 6th overall pick on Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson and the 37th overall pick on Braden Smith of Auburn, the colts drastically overhauled their poor line.

Nelson was the most hyped linemen in the draft, balancing both insane measurables with instant plug-and-produce makeup. Receiving a 95.1 overall PFF grade, execs and scouts alike have labeled Nelson a “can‘t miss prospect.” Utilizing a rare combination of freakish athleticism, bulldozing strength and impeccable technique, Nelson is a huge stopper to plug in front of Luck.

Smith packages similar potential, ranking sixth among interior lineman and third among guards by PFF in the draft. Combining incredible strength and a ‘fight to the whistle’ mentality, Smith will be an immediate force in the NFL.

Luck And The Colts Looking For A Bounce-Back Campaign

After a 2017 filled with woes, the 2018 Colts will look to a healthy Andrew Luck to compete again this season. With the oft-injured QB now taking significant steps forward, the Colts are beginning to take form. Adding two guards via the NFL Draft to protect Luck, the 2018 Colts are dark horses in a loaded AFC South.

Carried on the mending shoulders of Andrew Luck, the Colts are a prime bounce-back contender this season.

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This article was originally written by former TSJ101SPORTS NFL Department Head and writer William Zurcher. Due to systems modalities, the article has been assigned to the author tag designation “Former Writers”.